NEWSLETTER OF THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS DULUTH MINNESOTA Summer, 2005 Vol 16, No. 4

SummerBy Sister Sarah SmedmanSings Summer is my favorite season. Although I am unable to as a fine piece of Romantic literature. I began to think put adequate words to the “why,” I do thrill to summer in more deeply about why it continues to evoke joy in me. I the words of Emily Dickinson: “A something in a summer’s know now that it reassures me that Eden is recoverable, lit- noon/ A depth—an Azure—a perfume/Transcending ecsta- erally and symbolically in gardens. The book is a source of sy.” My excitement over summer has much to do with gar- hope, reminding me of what the poet Hopkins proclaims: dens and dates back at least to the summer I was eight years that though we have despoiled planet earth, “The world is old, when I discovered in my grandmother’s basement a bat- [still] charged with the grandeur of God./It will flame out tered, -covered, musty-smelling book—repulsive really, like shining from shook foil; . . . Because the Holy Ghost until I opened it. The book: Frances Hodgson Burnett’s over the bent/World broods with warm breast, and with ah! The Secret Garden.I opened. I read. I absorbed. And I bright wings.” was enchanted, an enchantment that has lasted. The flaming feast of the Holy Ghost, Pentecost, ushers In the novel, the spoiled, sallow, skinny nine-year-old in summer, the season when the Spirit comes with the force Mary Lennox discovers a desolate garden (a secret world of of a strong, driving wind, resting upon each of us, giving us its own) and two friends: a robin and Dickon Sowerby. As the power of utterance, promising to enliven us, to challenge the children restore the garden, Mary not only blossoms us, and to give us the graces we need to face up to those herself but also heals her invalid cousin Colin, both spiritu- challenges (Acts 2:1-11). As Peter attests, God will pour out ally and physically. In the height of the summer, exulting in upon everyone—even slaves, both men and women—a por- the garden’s riotous colors—poppies of all tints, hordes of tion of the Spirit; then daughters as well as sons will proph- roses, fair fresh leaves, buds of all hues, all dancing in the esy. And the “great resplendent day” of the Lord will come breeze; the golden sun; the lush green grass, the azure sky— (Acts 2:14-21). the children feel a mysterious force at work, but they do not Now I have a clearer understanding of why I have always know how to name it. Colin calls it Magic and at that loved The Secret Garden and why I experience such joy in moment is sure that he will “live forever and ever.” Because gardens. Both the novel and vibrant gardens remind me Colin feels that he wants “to shout out something, some- that the Holy Spirit continues to dwell within us, that thing thankful, joyful!” the children form a circle and sing “nature is never spent;/There lives the dearest freshness deep the doxology. When Mother Sowerby intrudes upon the rit- down things” (Hopkins). Books and gardens everywhere ual, she avows that she, too, believes in the Magic, though increase my appreciation of the richness of diverse under- she calls it by another name. But what, she asks, does that standings of, and approaches to, God, the “Big Good matter, since people all over the world call “The Big Good Thing,” among peoples across our earth. Thing” by various names. The joy, not the name, is what So, summer sings in me: “Satisfy us with thy love when matters to the “Joy Maker.” morning breaks/that we may sing for joy and be glad all our When I was eight, I could only have said that The Secret lives” (Psalm 90). Garden made me feel happy, serene. Reading the book years later, I thrilled to discover that it has stood the test of time Dear Friends, In fall 2002 Benedictine men and women in the peace cannot result from violence, that peace is not the United States presented a statement opposing the pro- result of the powerful overwhelming the weak, that posed and unprecedented pre-emptive attack against peace cannot happen when the arrogant and the rich Iraq. Today more than ever we see that violence and war ignore the poor and those in any kind of need. do not lead to peace. Thousands of vulnerable people in Peace is a monastic mission. It flows from a Iraq have died or been displaced from their homes. As Benedictine spirituality lived daily in our . It followers of the of Jesus Christ, we find the cur- comes from the order and regularity of daily in rent situation irreconcilable with that Gospel. community, from quiet and contemplation, from daily Earlier this year, Benedictine Peace Statement 2005 work done in service of others. Inside and outside our (see page 3) was signed by 2,357 Benedictine women monasteries Benedictine peace calls us to justice, to value and men, from sisters’ federations and men’s congrega- and respect the other, to give to the poor, to be open to tions throughout the United States. The Peace the stranger, to care for the weak, to protect and guard Statement was sent to President Bush and Dr. the earth and its resources. Condolezza Rice during by Right Reverend Some are called to do great things to achieve the peace Timothy Kelly, OSB, on behalf of the Benedictines in the world wants and needs. However, all of us can be this country. peacemakers in our own individual worlds by our acts of For centuries Benedictines have been dedicated to kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion and by our for- peace. Benedictine monasteries throughout the world giveness. As St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Live a life carry the word PAX, or peace, on their walls and over worthy of the calling you have received, with perfect their doors. It was to Benedictine monasteries that humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one refugees streamed in the Middle Ages. It was another lovingly. Make every effort to preserve the unity Benedictines who strove to make warfare a moral matter which has the spirit as its origin and peace as its binding during those times. It was Benedictine monasteries that force” (Ephesians 4:1-3). were havens for those threatened with violence and May each of our hearts be filled with peace, may we hatred. It was Benedictine monasteries that preserved live in peace, work for peace, and spread peace to all who the culture of hospitality and peace during times of war share our world. and chaos. For us, Benedictine Peace Statement 2005 is not a political statement. It is a statement relating our deep and profound belief now, and from centuries past, that Sister Kathleen Hofer

2 As Benedictine men and women, we reverence the Gospel of Jesus Christ who is called the “Prince of Peace.” Our Benedictine manner of following the gospel has con- tinued for 1500 years through faithfulness to this gospel, which teaches us to be just to all, receiving all as Christ, and welcoming especially the poor, the sick and all who are needy.

We believe that violence does not yield peace. We are concerned about the military and political ethos of our own country where justice is defined on the basis of our self- interest rather than on a consciousness that we are part of a common humanity. We are deeply disturbed by policies of disinformation which create distrust of our nation: • policies that incarcerate citizens, contrary to our Constitution; • policies that incarcerate foreigners without regard to accepted rules of war; • policies approving methods of interrogation contrary to the Geneva Conventions; • policies that promote the use of brute force rather than negotiation; • policies which indicate our unwillingness to consider the advantages of a world court where questions of fair treatment of vulnerable persons can be adjudicated.

As Christians and Benedictines we call for a return to the basic moral principles of our nation, principles of justice for all, hospitality to the oppressed and the immigrant, recognition and acceptance of legitimate differences, help for the poor, the deprived and the sick. We as a nation must know that the user of power is accountable to God, that might does not make right, that respect for all people is the duty of the civilized nations of this world.

As Christians and Benedictines we believe that “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from [God] is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also” (1 John 4:20).

Our brothers and sisters include all peoples, all races, all nations. If we are indeed pro-life, we must be for the lives of all the people of this earth. With Paul VI in his address to the General Assembly of the United Nations, our cry from the heart is, “No more war. War never again.”

3 By Sister Josine Krausnick

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t want to teach Each year I coordinate our participation in the National children. After receiving my associate degree from a small Geographic Bee, and most of the time our school champi- junior college very close to my home in Nebraska, I on passes a test to qualify for the Arizona State level of taught for a year in a small town a few miles away. I had this contest. We have made it to the top ten finalists in just learned about a lay teacher program begun by the the state, but we have not yet had the state champion and Sisters of St. Benedict at The College of St. in gone to Washington, D.C. We will keep trying—and Duluth, Minnesota—wherever that was! It sounded good having fun doing it. to me, and during that first year of my teaching I applied St. Thomas the Apostle has always had high academic for entry into the program. I was accepted, and the fol- standards and was awarded a Blue-Ribbon status for lowing September I found myself teaching second grade excellency, an honor given to only a few schools national- at Our Lady of Victory in Minneapolis. During that year, ly each year. In the 2003-2004 academic school year, St. as we were finishing our “what I want to be when I grow Thomas the Apostle turned 50 years old. What a grand up” unit, a small member of my class asked me, “Miss celebration we had—for more than a year! We remem- Krausnick, what do you want to be when you grow up?” bered the Benedictine Sisters from Duluth who came to There was a pause as I tried to collect myself, when St. Thomas the Apostle in 1953. Several Sisters, includ- another child spoke up: “That’s silly—she’s going to be a ing the first principal, Sister Devota LaVoie, attended our teacher!” alumni celebration. I didn’t finish the lay teacher program as planned. One of the most challenging aspects of teaching Instead I followed God’s plan and entered the Benedictine today—and at St. Thomas the Apostle—is keeping in community in Duluth in September of 1958. Since that tune with the technology of our time. Over the past few time I have taught every grade from first through eighth years our school has been acquiring a SmartBoard for with varying degrees of involvement and a wide variety of each classroom. This is an amazing combination of com- curricula. puter and wall screen with all sorts of activities, teaching I came to Phoenix and St. Thomas the Apostle School devices, and endless possibilities for learning. We can in 1965, taught second grade for two years, and was then project an internet article, map, chart, or anything else asked to teach junior high English. This was such a chal- onto the screen. In math, we work problems on the lenge for me as I had been involved with only primary board, erase, begin again—and no chalk dust to clean grades before this time. It’s amazing how many talents away! Since the students have experienced this latest you discover when you allow yourself to be exposed to the classroom technology longer than I, they teach me as I challenge. I remained in this position long enough to see teach them. the two classes I had in second grade graduate from the St. Thomas has long been one of the top as well as eighth grade. That was very special. one of the largest schools in the diocese of I returned to Minnesota and continued teaching, this Phoenix. Our enrollment of about 620 is almost at time in the middle school grades. In 1978 I was asked to capacity, with most of the classrooms having a waiting return to Phoenix and St. Thomas. I have been teaching list. I consider this a part of the legacy of the fifth grade ever since, and now fifth and sixth grade social Benedictines who have taught here and who have set high studies—and other selected subjects. My work in social standards of academics and faith living. It is exciting to studies has given me a deeper appreciation for the planet watch the influence of our Catholic education system take we occupy and the challenges of taking care of it, of keep- leadership in the community, and it gives me great hope ing peace and justice among its inhabitants, and of build- for the future of our Church and of our country. ing something better for its future generations. My newest passion, I suppose you could call it, is geography.

4 Sister Mary Jean Tuttle Honored Happy 90th Birthday By Vicky Siders Sister Rose Marie Larkin Sister Mary Jean Tuttle was honored this spring by Sister Rose Marie Larkin entered monastic life in 1933 St. John’s School of Theology•Seminary as one of the and served for many years as a teacher at St. Timothy’s in first women to graduate from a the- Chicago, The College of St. Scholastica, and Duluth ologate that had previously prepared only seminarians. . Then, later, she trained as a nurse and The Benedictine Institute of Sacred Theology (the ear- worked at St. Mary’s hospital. liest name given the program) graduated its first class Sister says, “My retirement came in stages after some in 1962. On March 31, 2005, St. John’s School of nursing in San Francisco and at St. Luke’s in Duluth. I Theology•Seminary presented the Sister Mary was then asked to rebuild the “Lady Garden” behind the Anthony Wagner, OSB, award to Sister Mary Jean and , and I worked at it for twenty years.” At 86 three other graduates of that first class at Mary, Sister Rose Marie found she had to take life easier physi- Mother of Our Redeemer Chapel. Other graduates cally. “Now I pray and have found that to be the best were recognized in absentia. assignment of all—the full and many other devotions.” P oob hoto S y se J ister oy eF ce our nier nna May Kampa y A hoto b P

Sister Mary Jean Tuttle was among four Sisters who attended the award ceremony honoring 1962 graduates of St. John’s Benedictine Institute of Sacred Theology. From left: Sister Angelo Haspert, Sister Mary Jean Tuttle, Sister Jeanne Giese, and Sister Ernestine Johann.

According to Sister Mary Jean, “This was the first “What’s good about living to an old age is that the time in the Catholic academic world that women were longer you live, as honestly as you can, the more won- allowed to study for a Master’s in theology.” The derful do you come to see how beautiful is the will of plaque presented to the Sisters at the ceremony reads: our Creator God. And if He permits us to enjoy the fac- ulties He gave us (and time) as I have, we can get to “We lift up your example of courage and know Him and His will even better as we gratefully faithfulness in responding to God’s call to accept the gifts of others.” serve the Body of Christ. We thank you “Each First Friday I contemplate his Passion as I see it for your labor in the fields of human need. portrayed by Mel Gibson. And every day I get to medi- We pray God’s blessing upon you and your tate the inspirational Mysteries of the (the life of continued presence to your sisters and Jesus) as written and sung by Danielle Rose Skorich. For brothers in faith.” all of the gifts of my old age I am most grateful. I hope that my last years will honor God in some way.”

5 By Sister Linda Wiggins and Sister Margaret James Laughlin Photos from Monastery Archives Located west of the Monastery, at the top of the hill, Gethsemane Cemetery reigns on high, providing a splen- did view of Lake . More than just a “place,” Gethsemane is a world in itself. Slightly tilted on its axis, the “Sisters’ cemetery” is circled by a roadway, marked at intervals with large wooden crosses representing the Stations of the Cross. Rows of pristine gray stone markers identify the deceased Sisters. No extensive adornment will be found here– one lovely statue of the Pieta; an occasional modest bouquet will signify a friend or family member recently visited. Yet rarely will anyone come upon a more beautiful world than this one. Rows of fir trees whisper messages while wild flowers bask in pied sunlight along the road. Deer amble across the green in the early morning and evening. A mother fox might bring her young ones for a romp on a warm summer evening. In the fall the pungent scent of apples delights walkers, while the crackle of snow and tiny footprints indicate frequent visitors in winter. Gethsemane is a world of paradox: perpetual activity amid quiet rest—the abundance of life blooming amid this simple pastoral setting. Nothing illustrates more the Benedictine ideal than this world where the assurances of Christ radiate in natural wonder: a crossroad of heaven and earth.

Gethsemane Cemetery occupies the very top of the hill behind the St. Scholastica Monastery buildings. But it hasn’t always looked this way!

The same view of Gethsemane Cemetery in the fall of 1912 shows a road “wide enough for two buggies to pass,” several of the Stations of the Cross, and, in front of the statue of the Pieta, each marked with a small cross, a row of fourteen burial boxes containing the bodies of Sisters who had died between 1892 and 1909 and who had been buried in the Diocesan Calvary Cemetery. The cost of “bringing our Sisters home” was donated by the firm of Flood and Horgan, forerunners of Dougherty Funeral Home.

6 At the same time (1912) a tra- ditional set of fourteen Stations of the Cross was installed along the road, beginning just inside the main gate and ending near the cemetery crucifix. They were the gift of Mrs. Peter Kerst, mother of Mother Scholastica and Mother Alexia, who is buried in front of the crucifix. These stations were replaced in 1998 by simple wooden crosses (see first photo) with the of each station (Scriptural Stations approved by Pope John Paul II in 1991) carved into the wood.

These gates were installed in 1912; a handwritten, undated, unsigned note on the back of this archival photo says “Iron gates given to scrap iron drive in WWI.” However, 1930s-era pictures show the small side gates still in place.

On some special occasions Mass was celebrated in This replica of the Lourdes Grotto shrine, located along part of the the Ascension Chapel, which abutted the huge original road that has been sodded over, is dated 1910. By the mid- mound of the water reservoir required before city 1930s weather and erosion had taken a toll, so it was removed. water reached the area. The building was torn down and the mound removed in the 1980s to provide additional burial space.

This current view, looking south, shows the original graves in the row to the far right; Farther south, the crucifix marks the graves of the former prioresses of the Community. The area behind the Pieta is currently being used for burials.

7 By Sister Armella Oblak Sister Salene Sister Salene Dopwell is a native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines where she Photo by Sister Joyce Fournier grew up with her father Alwyn and mother Norma, two brothers, and one sister in the small town of Calliqua. St. Vincent has a population of 110,000, and its capital is Kingstown. It also includes a chain of islands called the Grenadines or “Gems of the Antilles.” Sister Salene is a Sister of St. Joseph of Cluny, which was founded in 1798 in France. Sister’s community has about 100 sisters, who live on five Caribbean Islands working as teachers, nurses, and pastoral and retreat directors. For the past ten years Sister Salene has been a teacher at St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School. Sister is spending time at St. Scholastica Monastery to be renewed phys- ically and spiritually so that she can discern better ways of addressing her many challenges. She is convinced that her stay here will help lead her to a greater effec- tiveness and a better way of living. She says, “Although apprehensive when I first arrived at the Monastery, after meeting a few Sisters and having spent one day, I felt at home and at peace. Somehow from then on, I began finding the Salene I Sister Salene Dopwell once knew, and the Sisters of St. Scholastica have helped me a great deal more than they will ever know by just opening their doors and sharing their sacred lives with me.” When she leaves us in June, we will miss her quiet ways, her smile, and all she did for us. She will remain in our as she returns to find God in her daily service to others in her native country. Volunteers Honored On April 18, 2005, thirty-four of our forty-eight volunteers and their guests joined the Sisters at Evening Praise in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. During the dinner that followed, violinist Frederick McDougal and acoustic guitarist Calvin McCorison played delightful pop music and light classics as background music. This is the time of year when all the Sisters express their gratitude for the 2,877 hours of time so generously given by our volunteers. We could not get along without their help in Monastery Books and Gifts, Benet Hall, gardening, transporting Sisters to and from appointments, music ministries, Pathways mailings, and at the information desk. Sister Mary Rae Higgins, who became Director of Volunteers in January of this year and who organized the appreciation event, presented the volunteers who were honored for years of service. Sister Kathleen Hofer welcomed the volunteers and their guests and awarded pins to Fred Olson for five years of service, Gary Erickson and Mary Amundson for ten years of service, and Marge Mathison for fifteen years of service. One of the highlights of the evening was a parody written by Sister Almira Randall about our volunteers and set to the tune of “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy.” She brought down the house with her impromptu directions to Sister Armella Oblak, who sang the parody with her, and to the Sisters she drafted to play the supporting roles of flag wavers. ister Edith Bogue y S hotos b P 8 Volunteers left to right: Pat and Carol Thompson, Mary Deutsch, and Katherine and Ron Hon Day of Reflection and Renewal The environment at St. Scholastica Monastery is conducive for making a good retreat: space for prayer, reading, relaxation, discussions, walking, and enjoying nature at its finest. Space for privacy as well as for group dynamics is available. All of these, however, are but the trimmings. The important part of any retreat is good people who are seeking time for listen- ing, praying, discussing, and reflecting. These are the gifts that the 18 members of St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic Chaplaincy Department (which serves St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital of Superior, and Miller Dwan) brought with them to the day of renewal and reflection at the Monastery this past month. According to the retreatants, Father William Graham’s presentations during the day were inspiring and thought- provoking. The rest of the day the group reflected on Father’s comments and enjoyed the outdoors and the quiet atmosphere of Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. Discussions over lunch were lively and reflected the spirit of renewal felt by all. The most frequent comment was, “We have to come back to the Monastery again.” These responses gave us renewed assurance that the Benedictine mission and values are alive and well in our sponsored institutions. Benedictine Friends There is a touch of sadness along with fond memories as the Sisters and college students who met regularly dur- ing the school year part for the summer. This is especially true for those graduating. Such was the case on April 17 at a brunch held for the Benedictine Friends group in the Somers private dining room. Those graduating in May— Ali Bailey, Maurita McKay, and Darcie Koll (who couldn’t make it to the brunch)—received crosses with signatures of the Sisters who had been their friends for a year or more. These relationships were very special and could very well continue for years to come. In their own words:

“It has been great to know I have a spiritual support system in the Monastery and that my friends and I can discuss topics that range from prayer to pizza.” Maurita McKay

“Having a friend across campus is like having a two-way mirror: the gift reflected in the joy each one gets from just having the other one around.” Sister Marilyn Micke

“My interactions with Sister Judine enabled me to further develop my spirituality. I will miss not being involved in Benedictine Friends and not seeing Sister Judine, but I know the relationship fostered will continue to grow and we will remain in contact.” Ali Bailey

“I believe that the program provides a wonderful connection between the Monastery and the College. The students and Sisters get to know one another on a personal basis. It’s a great experience for all involved.” Sister Mary Rochefort P oob hoto Classes are coming to an end, final exams are already in progress, and students are busy S y preparing for departure—but fall always fol- J ister oy

lows summer. Before you know it, old and F ce

new friendships across campus will begin and our

/or continue to grow and flourish. nier

Benedictine Friends 9 VOCATION MINISTRY STANBROOK HALL REUNION 2005 By Sister Mary Rochefort By Rita Rosenberger

Whatever you ask in my name, I will do (John 14:14). It The Stanbrook Hall Reunion is with trust in these words of Jesus that we continue to Day will be Sunday, July 24, at St. believe that God will send new members to our commu- Scholastica Monastery. All are wel- nity. The Vocation Ministry Task Force has written sever- come to attend, and we especially al prayers that can be prayed for vocations to the religious encourage the anniversary classes life and priesthood. We invite you to join us in praying (1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, the following prayer: and 1965). Please join us for Mass, brunch, conversation and tours. Sisters will be on hand to visit with you, and Monastery Books & Gifts, the Heritage Room Prayer for Vocations and Scholastica Photography & Framing shop will be Loving and gracious God— open. Monastery Books & Gifts has Stanbrook Hall we pray that You bless women and men sweatshirts and t-shirts for sale both during the reunion with the grace of vocation and at other times. to serve You You may come by yourself, bring a classmate, or as Sisters, Brothers, and Priests. organize a whole group—just let us know that you May they welcome Your call will be here. In order to plan for brunch, we need all and have the courage to respond. reservations by July 1. There is no charge to attend the We believe You will hear Stanbrook Reunion, but please register in advance and answer our prayer. by contacting your Class Representative. If you do not know who she is, call Rita Rosenberger, Amen. Development/PR Office (218) 723-6536 or email [email protected] hope to see you in July! For further information regarding vocations to St. Until then, you can take a quick trip back without even Scholastica Monastery, contact Sister Mary Rochefort at leaving your chair, by visiting our web site at (218) 723-6505 or [email protected]. www.DuluthBenedictines.org.

Published by: Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, MN Contributors: Sisters of the Community

Produced by: Monastery Development / Public Relations Office PATHWAYS is published quarterly and is distributed among friends, relatives, associates and benefactors of the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery. Editorial Board: Sister Kathleen Hofer, prioress;Vicky Siders, director; Sister Armella Oblak, Sister Almira Randall, Sister Grace Marie Braun, Sister Joyce St. Scholastica Monastery Fournier, Sister Linda Wiggins, Sister Margaret Clarke, Sister Margaret James 1001 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811-2300 Laughlin, Sister Mary Richard Boo, Sister Rebecca Burggraff, and Rita Telephone 218-723-6540 • FAX 218-723-5963 Rosenberger. Visit our web site at www.DuluthBenedictines.org

10 Sister Valeria Lessard, OSB, 98, St. Scholastica Monastery, died at the Monastery on Thursday, March 3, 2005. She entered the Duluth Benedictine community in 1924 and professed monastic vows in 1926. Sister Valeria was in the 79th year of her monastic profession. Sister Valeria was born on October 4, 1906, and raised in Lambert, Minnesota. She attended ele- mentary school there and graduated from Oklee High School, Oklee, Minnesota. In 1924 she entered the Benedictine community at St. Scholastica Monastery and took classes at The College St. Scholastica, the former Duluth Normal School, and the former State Teachers’ College in order to fulfill requirements for her teaching certificate. Sister Valeria taught kindergarten and/or primary grades in St. Bridget’s, Minneapolis; St. Francis, Brainerd; St. Clement’s, St. James, and St. Peter’s, Duluth. She also taught at St. Timothy’s School in Chicago, Illinois. She spent one year as a prefect at the former St. James Children’s Home, Duluth. Health problems necessitated her retirement from teaching in 1955. From that time until 1997, Sister Valeria served in many different ministries. She was housekeeper at Holy Name Convent, Wayzata, Minnesota, and at St. Joseph Convent, Chisholm, Minnesota. She took night duty at the former St. Ann’s Home, Duluth; was an admitting clerk at Hibbing General Hospital, Hibbing, Minnesota; performed general household duties at St. Scholastica Monastery; and was sacristan at St. Ann’s Residence, Duluth, for fifteen years. In 1979 Sister Valeria was one of twelve Sisters who went to Worcester, Massachusetts, to establish a new mission. She returned to the Monastery in 1982. From then until her retirement in 1997 she was a companion, sacristan, and housekeeper at St. Mary’s in Stockbridge, Wisconsin; and a companion at St. Hubert’s in Hubertus, Wisconsin, and at St. Mary’s in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Sister Valeria was an excellent teacher, loved by students and parents. In addition, Sisters who did their student teaching under her guidance found her a patient and generous mentor. Sister Valeria brought fun and laughter wherever she was sta- tioned. She was a woman of deep faith; during her retirement years she spent many hours each day in prayer and was seldom seen without her rosary. She also maintained an interest in people—community members, family, and former students—and delighted in visiting with all who came to see her. Sister Valeria was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Valerie (Allard) Lessard, and by six brothers and five sis- ters. She is survived by the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery and by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Photo by Sister Joyce Fourier

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING DECEASED RELATIVES AND/OR BENEFACTORS:

Marie Skul Stella Rankin 3/27/05 Helen Hedman Charles F. Wagener 3/29/05 Edward G. Brandt Evelyn H. Peterson 4/7/05 ¨ Elaine Larsen Henrichs 10/3/04 +Sr. Laura Marie Bedow’s sister Ruth “Mickey”Hayes Klein 12/18/04 Margaret Elizabeth Monroe 4/13/05 Agnes Burcar 2/8/05 Sr.Marguerite Baxter’s sister Rosella Harney 2/9/05 Ralph Miller 4/4/05 George Gray 2/12/05 Milton G. Fider 4/14/05 Doris E. Olson 2/21/05 Paul W. Beaupre 4/26/05 Frank F. Farwell 2/21/05 +Sr. Jeanette Beaupre’s brother Peter Fried 2/26/05 Betty Jane Rimstad 5/3/05 +Sr. Clement Fried’s brother Luella Wegsheid 5/15/05 Mary C. Cich 3/3/05 Sr. Luella Wegsheid’s mother Bernice Schmitz 3/8/05 Sr. Beringer’s sister Louise M. Tucker 3/17/05 Frieda R. Vito 5/16/05 Gordon J. Falconer 3/22/05

11 Mass for Pope John Paul II By Sister Armella Oblak

There was a sense of unity in all present—Sisters, students, faculty, and residents of the Benedictine Health Center and Westwood—as we gathered in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel on April 6th to celebrate the Eucharist and to pray for Pope John Paul II. It was an opportunity to remember our beloved pontiff as we celebrated his life of service to the and to the entire world. Accompanied by Beth Kaiser at the piano and Sister Mary Carol Braun at the organ, the congregation—led by the College Liturgical Choir—sang hymns of praise and joy that rang throughout the chapel and halls. P oob hoto

Reverend William Graham gave an excellent homily on S y the meaning and history of all the rituals associated with J ister

funerals and burials as well as a tribute to Pope John Paul II. oy In his words, “The next generation of scholars, including F ce theologians, sociologists, and historians will have the task our nier of examining and interpreting the phenomenon of these days and years.” We pray for Pope John Paul II and ask God’s blessing on Pope Benedict XVI. April 6, 2005 Mass for Pope John Paul II

Pope Benedict XVI

Cardinal Josef Ratzinger honored Benedictines throughout the world when, elected pope, he chose the name Benedict XVI. Most media reporters immediately mentioned the previous Benedict, but few seemed to offer information on St. Benedict, author of the Rule by which Benedictines live their monastic lives.

St. Benedict was born in , Italy in 480. Disillusioned with the life he saw as a student in Rome, he left that city and went first into the nearby countryside of Subiaco, where he lived as a . He was joined by others attracted by his simple and holy lifestyle who wished to be his disciples.

Benedict then went to Monte , where he built his first monastery. It was there that he and his began a way of life that was to have a profound influence not only on the Europe of his time but on the world up to the present day. While at , Benedict wrote his Rule. The Rule of St. Benedict, considered one of the most important documents of Western Civilization, challenges us to a life of ongoing conversion, a life of growth and inner transformation. Benedict died March 21, 547, while in prayer at Monte Cassino.

By the ninth century, all of the monasteries in the Holy Roman Empire fol- lowed the Rule of Benedict, and Benedictine missionaries had evangelized and established monasteries in what is now France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy. They brought with them “the Cross—Christianity; the Book—litera- cy; and the Plow—the dignity of labor” transforming the barbarian invaders of late antiquity into the cultured Europeans of the Middle Ages. In recognition of this, in l964, Pope Paul VI declared St. Benedict to be Patron of all Europe. It is no doubt this patronage that the current Pope Benedict XVI invoked in choosing his name, seeking modern Europe’s re-awakening to its Christian her- itage.